15 recipes to prove you can beat your local takeout spot

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Skipping the takeout menu might feel risky, but not with these recipes in your back pocket. They’re the kind that’ll have everyone convinced you’ve been moonlighting as a chef. Forget soggy delivery boxes because these meals are bringing the crunch, flavor, and wow-factor right from your kitchen. With 15 foolproof options, your kitchen could easily outshine the local takeout scene without breaking a sweat.

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce.
Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Egg Drop Soup

A comforting bowl of egg drop soup elegantly garnished with fresh cilantro, vibrant chives, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, you don’t need to look further than your own kitchen. Making Egg Drop Soup at home is simpler than you might think. It’s all about getting that silky texture and rich flavor without stepping outside. Plus, you get to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal than what you might grab from a takeout box.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ever crave that perfect balance of heat, sweet, and savory? Kung Pao Chicken has got you covered. This dish is a classic for a reason, packing a punch with its robust flavors and fulfilling crunch from the peanuts. Crafting it at home means you can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it a flexible dish for any palate.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Tom Yum Soup

Close-up of a spicy tom yum soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomato chunks, lime wedge, and chopped herbs in a rich, red broth.
Tom Yum Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

No need to book a flight to Thailand when you can bring the flavors of Thai cuisine into your own kitchen with Tom Yum Soup. It’s an authentic taste experience, mesmerizing your senses with its tangy and spicy broth. Preparing it yourself allows you to enjoy a fresh, aromatic delight that beats any pre-made version from your local takeout spot.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Tonkotsu Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with noodles, a halved boiled egg, sliced meat, green leafy vegetables, and mushrooms in broth.
Tonkotsu Ramen. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who doesn’t love a good noodle soup on a dull day? Tonkotsu Ramen, with its rich, pork-based broth, offers a comforting hug in a bowl. When you make it at home, you have the advantage of simmering it to perfection, achieving that depth of flavor that’s often missing in quicker, restaurant-made versions. It’s all about taking your time to create something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Tonkotsu Ramen

Cashew Chicken

Close-up of Cashew Chicken featuring tender chicken, broccoli, edamame, cashews, and red bell peppers. This wonderful dish is topped with sesame seeds and served over a bed of rice.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those moments when you need a quick yet fulfilling meal, Cashew Chicken is a go-to. It’s a stir-fry sensation that brings together tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a sauce that sings with flavor. By cooking it at home, you can ensure it’s not overly greasy, making it both a delicious and healthier alternative to your local takeout.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Miso Soup

A bowl of miso soup with tofu cubes, seaweed, and green onions.
Miso Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Starting a meal with something light and savory sets the right tone, and Miso Soup does just that. It’s a staple in Japanese cuisine for a good reason, offering a comforting warmth with every sip. Making it at home not only fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma but also ensures a fresh, umami-packed beginning to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Chicken Fried Rice

Close-up of chicken fried rice with peas, carrots, sliced green onions, and chopsticks.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Turning leftover rice into a mouthwatering meal is what Chicken Fried Rice is all about. It’s the ultimate comfort food, offering a fulfilling mix of textures and flavors with every bite. Cooking this dish at home allows you to pack it with plenty of veggies and chicken, making for a balanced meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Shrimp Tempura

A bowl of crispy fried shrimp with slices of green onions and jalapeños.
Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crispy, light, and utterly delicious, Shrimp Tempura is a favorite for many. It’s that golden, crunchy exterior with the tender shrimp inside that makes this dish a standout. Making it at home lets you master the art of tempura batter, resulting in a snack or side that’s fresher and less oily than what you’d typically find at a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

Butter Chicken

A bowl of creamy curry with chicken pieces served over white rice, garnished with cilantro, and accompanied by flatbread.
Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

If we’re talking about dishes that warm the soul, Butter Chicken deserves a mention. This dish is all about the creamy, tomato-based sauce that coats tender pieces of chicken. When you prepare it at home, it becomes an expression of love, simmered to perfection and tailor-made to your taste preferences, surpassing any takeout version.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale.
Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, all you need is a dish that brings a little excitement to the dinner table, and Asian Style Pork Chops do just that. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to upgrade a weeknight meal. Preparing these pork chops at home means they’ll be juicy, tender, and infused with the aromatic flavors that are often dulled down in takeout versions.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Have you ever wanted to recreate that perfect balance of sweet and tangy from your favorite takeout spot? The Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe lets you do just that. It’s a crowd-pleaser, offering a slightly sticky glaze over perfectly cooked chicken pieces. Making it at home gives it a fresher twist, proving you don’t need to leave your kitchen for a top-tier teriyaki.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Sour Pork

Close-up of sweet and sour pork with chunks of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, garnished with sesame seeds and chives.
Sweet and Sour Pork. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s something undeniably addictive about the combination of flavors in Sweet and Sour Pork. It’s a dish that strikes the perfect balance between the tanginess of the sauce and the crispy texture of the pork. Crafting this dish in your kitchen allows for that ideal crunch and fresher ingredients, making it a superior version to what’s often a too-sweet takeout option.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

A bowl of vegetable curry with leafy greens, chunks of squash, diced tomatoes, peanuts, and cilantro, served with a spoon.
Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!). Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving something rich, spicy, and utterly fulfilling? The Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe has got your back. This dish is perfect for those who love a creamy curry with just the right amount of kick. When made at home, it envelops your senses, offering a more custom and heartwarming take on the classic dish, making it hard to go back to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

Korean Corn Dogs

Several breaded and fried corn dogs on sticks, drizzled with mustard and ketchup, placed on white crumpled paper.
Korean Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Snack time or party time, Korean Corn Dogs are always a hit. Bringing together a unique texture and a multitude of flavors, these corn dogs upgrade the concept of street food to gourmet levels. Making them at home not only is fun but also lets you experiment with different fillings and coatings, ensuring every bite is a burst of joy.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce.
Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, Easy Bibimbap is a fantastic choice. It’s a colorful mix of vegetables, protein, and rice, all topped with a spicy, savory sauce. Preparing it at home allows for personalization, letting you choose your favorite toppings for a well-balanced and visually appealing meal that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

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